Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: The work that I’m making now came out of having the courage to mix my own colored clay. There’s something so joyful in playing with clay that looks like Play-Doh . . . usually, my best ideas make me laugh a little.
What are you inspired by? I use the seasons as a jumping-off point to keep my work rotating and fresh. I tend to look at graphic design, textiles, and paper crafts as a reference for color and motifs. The natural world is also a huge inspiration—recently, I’ve been thinking about gradients in nature.
Who are your mentors? Laurie Caffery (for whom I work) is a constant source of wisdom and advice. I’ve also had wonderful critiques and guidance from Sara Ballek and Julia Claire.
What is your process for designing new forms? I start by drawing on gridded paper to get an idea of proportions. When moving to the wheel, I record the dimensions as I go so I can easily repeat them later. Usually, the shape needs some tweaking, so I keep trying until I like how it turns out.
Favorite pieces in your ceramic collection? I love my chipped Sarah Pike mug and my not-chipped Chris Long mug.
Best piece of advice you ever received? In regards to social media, making a website, putting myself out there—“you just gotta do it.”
Best advice you can give to other potters? Talk to other ceramic artists! Most, if not all of us, are kind and willing to share our experiences, technical advice, and career thoughts. Don’t be afraid!
Describe your studio: Pink Duck Pottery Studio was founded by my partner, Dylan Muller, and me. We are using it as our personal ceramic studio with the intent to share the space with short-term resident artists and engage the local community with workshops and classes. We also have a pond!
Best thing about your studio? We have a wood stove that is amazing in the wintertime. Additionally, having a home studio means I can take my cat to work with me, a lifelong goal of mine.
Wish list for your studio? A test kiln would be a dream.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: I prefer to do a little bit of everything while working in the studio. Typically, I start with throwing for an hour or two, followed by completing work I have in various stages of drying. My hours are somewhere from 9am–6pm, depending on how close I am to my deadlines!
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Firing temperature: Cone 6
Atmosphere: Oxidation, electric
Favorite surface treatment: Slip trailing
Favorite tool: My small army of slip trailers.
Website: claybybe.com
Social media: Instagram @clay.by.be
Gallery representation:
Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: The work that I’m making now came out of having the courage to mix my own colored clay. There’s something so joyful in playing with clay that looks like Play-Doh . . . usually, my best ideas make me laugh a little.
What are you inspired by? I use the seasons as a jumping-off point to keep my work rotating and fresh. I tend to look at graphic design, textiles, and paper crafts as a reference for color and motifs. The natural world is also a huge inspiration—recently, I’ve been thinking about gradients in nature.
Who are your mentors? Laurie Caffery (for whom I work) is a constant source of wisdom and advice. I’ve also had wonderful critiques and guidance from Sara Ballek and Julia Claire.
What is your process for designing new forms? I start by drawing on gridded paper to get an idea of proportions. When moving to the wheel, I record the dimensions as I go so I can easily repeat them later. Usually, the shape needs some tweaking, so I keep trying until I like how it turns out.
Favorite pieces in your ceramic collection? I love my chipped Sarah Pike mug and my not-chipped Chris Long mug.
Best piece of advice you ever received? In regards to social media, making a website, putting myself out there—“you just gotta do it.”
Best advice you can give to other potters? Talk to other ceramic artists! Most, if not all of us, are kind and willing to share our experiences, technical advice, and career thoughts. Don’t be afraid!
Describe your studio: Pink Duck Pottery Studio was founded by my partner, Dylan Muller, and me. We are using it as our personal ceramic studio with the intent to share the space with short-term resident artists and engage the local community with workshops and classes. We also have a pond!
Best thing about your studio? We have a wood stove that is amazing in the wintertime. Additionally, having a home studio means I can take my cat to work with me, a lifelong goal of mine.
Wish list for your studio? A test kiln would be a dream.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: I prefer to do a little bit of everything while working in the studio. Typically, I start with throwing for an hour or two, followed by completing work I have in various stages of drying. My hours are somewhere from 9am–6pm, depending on how close I am to my deadlines!
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